Nonfiction Book Award Status: Silver
Author Name: C. Read
Synopsis
This true story is about the author’s involvement with a Bible study group that turned out to be a cult remarkably similar to the Branch Davidians of Waco, Texas, led by David Koresh. As of 28 February 1993, Read had been with them for some three years, and had grown to love and trust the leaders completely; but after she found out the truth about them she could no longer remain. That did not stop them from wanting her back under their control and influence; and her testimony shows how they tried so hard to convince her that they were right, and she was wrong.
Cults are on the rise, and no one is exempt from their evil influences! And even though Koresh was violently removed from this earth over twenty years ago, his “spirit” still lives on in the hearts of some very wicked men.
“Walking with the Enemy is Read’s story of a three-year engagement with a religious cult and the miraculous event that gave her the courage to escape. …this book is an important narrative for any Christian believer, and might be of particular interest to anyone who is a survivor of a religious cult. -Foreword Reviews
“An inherently fascinating, thoroughly absorbing, candidly personal story that should be considered urgent reading for anyone having to deal with a loved one tempted to join a cult or already part of one. Simply stated, ‘Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony’ is very highly recommended for personal, church, community, and academic library collections. Indeed, ‘Walking With the Enemy: A Testimony’ is critically important reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation!” -Midwest Book Review
“Read offers her personal tale of religious awakening, including her experiences with people whom she says were falsely serving Jesus Christ… Debut author Read’s story is clearly heartfelt. Readers will likely be convinced of the author’s devoutness early on, which she bolsters with many biblical references… …her memoir delivers a quick, highly personalized account of her life’s journey.” ─Kirkus Reviews
“It would take a while to share with you all that I found to be in common with your story, though they are different, the similarities are undeniable. It’s amazing how the Enemy’s signature is the same.” -A Youth Minister
Author Bio:
Read first committed her life to the Lord Jesus Christ in the fall of 1979, while she was in the United States Marine Corps. She was stationed in Hawaii, but while on a temporary assignment to Yuma, Arizona the Iranian students seized the American Embassy in Tehran, and had taken several American hostages. A special friend of hers was on a six-month deployment to Japan, and was placed on red alert. He was prepared to go to Iran at a moment’s notice, and she felt so helpless to do anything about it. That was such an uncertain time in her life, and as unbelievable as it may sound, Read was actually thankful for the “Iranian Crisis,” because it was that momentous event that caused her to see the great need for her Savior.
About that same time, a young Marine, whom she had never met, came up to her as she was leaving her barracks in Yuma and handed her a Bible and said, “Here, I think you need to read this.” He just walked away, and Read never saw him again, but she will never forget him! That brief encounter was a major turning point in Read’s life and she did take his advice. Read started reading and studying the Bible, but that was just the beginning of her walk with God…